Get Outdoors

Onancock offers quiet moments in flower-filled gardens, the discovery of native plants and wildlife along footpaths and water trails, picnics in a 350-year-old town square, and deep golden sunsets enjoyed at the water’s edge.

EVENTS CALENDAR

IN TOWN

Launch your canoes and kayaks at Onancock Landing adjacent to the Town Wharf and follow the fourteen-mile Onancock Creek Loop Trail or other Virginia Water Trails either solo or accompanied by professional guides, Mary and Bill Burnham. Upon your return, rest in this serene setting that boasts a local Turner sculpture and picnic tables. 

At the Town Wharf catch the Tangier Ferry to Tangier Island. Charter the sailboat, Gratitude, a leisurely way to experience the beauty of the Eastern Shore’s waterways. Launch your boat at the public ramp for a day of bay fishing. Or, go for the prize and enter one of the Onancock Fire Department’s annual fishing tournaments.

Stroll towards the historic downtown and pause at the Town Square mapped out in 1680. Take a walking tour of Onancock’s many historic homes, or pause to select a good read from the Free Library book exchange at Custis Garden in the center of town. Enjoy an evening of wine, cheese, and conviviality at a Second Friday Art Stroll. When artists converge on the town for plein air events, quietly observe from afar and catch a peek at the works-in-progress. Dendrophiles will want to keep an eye out for notable trees that have been cataloged and preserved by the Onancock Tree Board.

At the Historic Onancock School, Master Naturalists maintain a walking trail that meanders along the shore at the headwaters of Onancock Creek and is alive with birds and native vegetation. Nature lovers and birders frequent the observation deck to observe aquatic wildlife.  This popular community center also sports the town’s playground, picnic areas, a disc golf course, and soccer fields.

Onancock prides itself on being a pet-friendly town and leashed dogs are welcome at the Farmers Market and most outdoor events. Convenient pet litter bags are located around town. Take your furry, four-legged friend to play at the Jefferson Street Dog Park.

Wander over to Ker Place and discover the lovely gardens, and relax on a bench under crepe myrtles. Later, follow the Eastern Shore Healthy Communities Onancock walking trail to circle back to Onancock Creek in time to enjoy a memorable sunset vista from benches at the western-most promontory of the wharf, or enjoy cocktails on the deck of Captain Chris Guvernator’s Holly Cove Charter boat during a sunset tour. 

NEARBY

There are endless opportunities for birding, biking, nature walks, geocaching, and self-guided audio tours at Brownsville Nature Preserve. Photographers and hikers will love exploring the Mutton Hunk Fen Natural Area Preserve and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Kayak on the seaside, out of Wachapreague, with Captain Meriwether Payne, an excellent birder, and naturalist. Join the Shore-wide bike tour events offered in the fall and spring; ‘Between the Waters’ and ‘Le Tour De Shore’, which feature short and long trips culminating in food and celebrations.

Access to land, sea, and air is all nearby. Beach time can be enjoyed at Assateague Island National Seashore,  Kiptopeke State Park, and Cape Charles Beach. Charter fishing out of Wachapreague for exciting action with white and blue marlin or fish in-shore waters for flounder, rockfish, speckled trout, and more. Visit Virginia Hang Gliding for a bird’s-eye perspective of Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore.

Golfers of all ages and abilities have multiple venues from which to choose. Golf at the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club which offers a three-day VIP guest pass. The Captain’s Cove Golf Course provides one of the finest golfing experiences on the Shore, and a true test of the game.  Check out the Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus courses at Bay Creek Resort and Club. With holes that wind throughout woodlands and waterways, offering breathtaking Chesapeake Bay views, the play is as scenic as it is unique. Disc golf more your style? Check out the thirty-six holes at Indiantown Park.